French shipbuilder looks to partner with Canadian firms through Ottawa office

One of the largest shipbuilding companies in Europe is expanding its presence in Canada as it looks to secure a major contract with the federal government.

(Photo courtesy of Department of National Defence)

In late May, Paris-based DCNS announced that it had set up a new Canadian subsidiary, DCNS Technologies Canada Inc. The new company, based in Ottawa, is owned by its French parent but incorporated in Canada.

DCNS, whose largest shareholder is the French government, has had an office in Ottawa since 2012. That office will now be taken over by its Canadian subsidiary.

The company said it is also prepared for its Canadian partners to become shareholders in the new company.

The move is intended to bring DCNS in-line with Canada’s new defence procurement strategy, which requires companies that receive large defence contracts to create jobs in Canada and build the export capacity of Canadian firms.

In an emailed statement, DCNS said the subsidiary’s “primary mission is to promote the Group's products and capabilities in Canada.”

It will also work to build partnerships with Canadian firms as it looks to secure part of the federal government’s $35 billion naval procurement. DCNS is currently promoting its FREMM, a multi-purpose frigate, to the federal government, which plans to buy 15 ships through the Canadian Surface Combatant contract.

If the company wins the contract, it will partner with Canadian firms to build the ship and design some of its systems.